Cecelia Cunningham
Bartlett,Tennessee
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Special Populations Leader with 9 years of experience in developing, implementing, and overseeing support programs, for students with Special Education, ESL, Section 504, and Characteristics of Dyslexia Services. Proven ability to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, support diverse learners, and collaborate with educators, families, and multidisciplinary teams. Strong leadership, organizational, and advocacy skills focused on improving student outcomes.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Student Supports
Memphis Rise Academy/Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Memphis, Tennessee
07.2023 - Current
- Oversee special education services, ensuring compliance with IDEA, Section 504, and other state regulations.
- Lead development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with diverse needs.
- Provide coaching and professional development for teachers and support staff on best practices in special education, 504, ESL, and Characteristics of Dyslexia.
- Collaborate with administrators, psychologists, therapists, and families to support student success.
- Monitor student progress and program effectiveness using data-driven decision-making.
Special Education Teacher
KIPP Memphis/Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Memphis, Tennessee
07.2022 - 06.2023
- Designed and implemented individualized instruction for students with varying disabilities.
- Developed and maintained compliant IEPs, including goals, accommodations, and progress reports.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to support inclusive classroom practices.
- Conducted assessments and used data to adjust instructional strategies.
- Communicated regularly with parents regarding student progress and needs.
Special Populations Coach/Teacher
Pathways in Education/Achievement School District
Memphis, Tennessee
09.2017 - 06.2022
- Provide coaching and support to special education teachers to improve instructional practices and students’ outcomes.
- Assist in developing and reviewing IEPs to ensure alignment with student needs.
- Analyze student data to guide instructional decisions and intervention strategies.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to support student development.
Education
Master of Science - Educational Leadership
Christian Brothers University
Memphis, TennesseeBachelor of Arts - Special Education Modified K-12
Christian Brothers University
Memphis, TennesseeSkills
- IEP Management Systems (TN Pulse)
- Strategic planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Team management
- Microsoft Office Suite & Google Workspace
- Data Tracking & Reporting Tools
Accomplishments
- Improved IEP compliance rate from 40% to 99% within one school year.
- Led initiative that increased inclusion opportunities by 20%.
Certification
- Certification in Special Education Modified K-12 (Tennessee)
- English as a Second Language K-12 (Tennessee)
Core Competencies
- Special Education Program Management
- IEP Development & Compliance
- IDEA & Section 504 Regulations
- 504 Development & Compliance
- ILP & ILP-D Development and Compliance
- Staff Training & Development
- Data Analysis & Progress Monitoring
- Behavior Intervention Strategies
- Family & Community Engagement
Timeline
Director of Student Supports
Memphis Rise Academy/Memphis-Shelby County Schools
07.2023 - Current
Special Education Teacher
KIPP Memphis/Memphis-Shelby County Schools
07.2022 - 06.2023
Special Populations Coach/Teacher
Pathways in Education/Achievement School District
09.2017 - 06.2022
Master of Science - Educational Leadership
Christian Brothers University
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education Modified K-12
Christian Brothers University